Our Specialist Programs:

Physical Education

Kim McKeon has her B.S. in Physical Education and her M.A. in Education in Athletic Administration. She has been a softball coach at Bowling Green State University, and an assistant softball coach at MSU. In addition, Kim has directed numerous youth sport camps and clinics as well as spent time as a personal trainer. Kim works with our extended day and lower elementary children once a week.

Todd Culver has a M.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan; since 1995, he has served as Project Director for the MARO Employment and Training Association, a network of organizations that create opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to community access and employment. His experience with youth athletics extends over 25 years, including coaching and teaching soccer, hockey, basketball, tennis, swimming, and cross-country. Todd and his wife Trude have 2 children who graduated from our school – he has been a Physical Education Specialist at Montessori since 1999.

Computer Technology

This is Cheryl’s 5th year with the school teaching computer technology to 3rd through 6th year children. She holds a B.S. in Civil/Environmental Engineering and also a Certification in Elementary Education (both from MSU). She loves to take the children’s natural interest in the computer to new levels. They do a variety of projects, including learning MS Office, browsing the Internet, programming, and learning the physical parts of a computer. The children see Cheryl once a week for a small group class period of 30-45 minutes.

Nature Study

Jim McGrath has been the Nature Specialist at Montessori Children’s House since 1990. Each week, Jim arrives with interesting stories (and often with live creatures) to speak with extended day and lower elementary children. Jim got his B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology from MSU, but claims that most of his study is self-taught. Jim’s love of the natural world goes way back to the days of his childhood, and he enjoys sharing this passion with our children. Jim’s enthusiasm is contagious, as he builds on the children’s natural curiosity and love for the outdoor world.

Choral Music

Linda has been teaching music for over ten years. She is a graduate of MSU with degrees in vocal Music Education and Theory Composition. Linda also has a private music studio, where she teaches individuals of all ages who wish to study voice, piano, or composition. Her lovely voice helps to train the voices of our children, from extended day through the upper elementary age.

Band

Contracted to us through the MSU Community School of Music, Jaime works with our upper elementary 5th and 6th year children in band instruction twice a week. All of the instrument groups are represented, including flute, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, and percussion. Jaime has a degree in Instrumental Music Education from MSU and also teaches private lessons in clarinet and saxophone.